The Week Ahead: Feb. 11-15

The Week Ahead is a listing of calendar items and networking events published each week online and in GSA Morning Blend. Submit an item here for inclusion in the listing. Include description, date, time, location, address, cost, website and contact information.

Is Your Business Secure?GSA Business hosts this Power Breakfast on digital security. State Inspector General Patrick Manley, who investigated state security following the online theft of personal information from the revenue department, will join Upstate security and technology experts at this event to discuss lessons learned and tips on protecting business assets from online threats. Tuesday, 7:30 to 9 a.m. TD Convention Center, 1 Exposition Drive, Greenville. Costs $30 per person. Register.

Business Before HoursThe Greenville Chamber will host this networking event for chamber members only. Tuesday, 7:30 to 9 a.m. Commerce Club of Greenville, 55 Beattie Place, Suite 1700, Greenville. Costs $8.50 for online registration and $12 at the door. Register.

Small Business RoundtableThe Spartanburg Small Business Development Center will host a workshop for anyone contemplating becoming an entrepreneur. It will cover the legal entity choices and the 10 parts of an effective business plan, among other components. Tuesday, 9:15 a.m. to noon. Spartanburg Library, 151 S. Church St., Spartanburg. Free. Register.

Upstate Senior issues meetingTen at the Top will host this meeting to discuss the future needs of the growing senior population, such as how to ensure seniors remain active and engaged in the community following retirement. Tuesday, 10 a.m. to noon. Ten at the Top, 124 Verdae Blvd., Suite 202, Greenville. Register.

Forum: Healing HandsBon Secours St. Francis Health System will host a weekly series of dialogues and events during Black History Month. Local residents and partners involved in their healthy communities initiative in Sterling are invited to address timely topics including race relations, the role of faith in bridging differences and eliminating health disparity in the community. This forum will feature panelists to discuss faith’s role in celebrating cultural similarities and bridging differences. Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. Long Branch Baptist Church, 28 Bolt St., Greenville. Free. Register.

Learning Lunch with Jim De PianteThe Greenville Spartanburg Anderson Technology Council will host a learning lunch with Jim De Piante, recently retired executive project manager at IBM Research. Piante served as a project manager on the IBM Watson Project. He will discuss his experience and role in the creation of the computer who became a Jeopardy champion. Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Embassy Suites, 670 Verdae Blvd., Greenville. Costs $25 per person. Register.

Small Business MattersThe Greenville Chamber hosts this event for those with an interest in small business. Thursday, 8 to 9:30 a.m. Greenville Chamber, 24 Cleveland St., Greenville. Free. Light breakfast is included. Register.

Transportation and Infrastructure UpdateThe Transportation and Infrastructure Issues Committee of the Greenville Chamber will meet to discuss transportation and infrastructure issues, and how they can impact local business. It’s open to any chamber member. Friday, 8 to 9 a.m. Greenville Chamber, 24 Cleveland St., Greenville. Free. Register.

Science workshop for teachersThe Spartanburg Science Center will offer workshops to local elementary school teachers to help promote science in the classroom. The R.R. Donnelley Corp. funded this program through a grant. It will host 30 kindergarten through second-grade teachers and 30 third- through fifth-grade teachers. Friday, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. for the K-2 teachers, and 1 to 4 p.m. for the third-fifth teachers. Chapman Cultural Center, 200 E. St. John St., Spartanburg. Call 864-583-2777 to register.

Tax Preparation AssistanceUSC Upstate business students will provide tax prep assistance every Friday through tax season. IRS-certified students will be preparing federal and state income tax returns as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program through the United Way of the Piedmont. The assistance will be provided to individuals and families with a household income of less than $51,000 a year. Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. USC Upstate — The George, 160 E. St. John St., Spartanburg. Free. Register at 864-582-7556.